Throw training device

ABSTRACT

A throw training device is provided to limit a motion of a user&#39;s non-throwing arm while throwing an object. In one embodiment, a throw training device comprises a belt, wherein the belt comprises a sleeve material attached to the belt to form an integrated sleeve. A user&#39;s non-throwing arm may be secured in the integrated sleeve to limit a motion of a user&#39;s non-throwing arm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/613,666 which was filed on Feb. 4, 2015, which claims priority fromProvisional Application No. 61/935,534, filed on Feb. 4, 2014, and whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

American football is a popular game played by many. Football is a teamsport with each team typically having eleven players on a field at onetime. Player roles are largely dictated by gameplay situations, wheregameplay situations require offensive players, defensive players, andspecial team players. Each set of players is further divided intospecialized roles determined by each player's position. A quarterback isa unique, important position among the offensive players, and is usuallyresponsible for communicating an offensive strategy to the otheroffensive players and for leading the execution of this offensivestrategy. During gameplay, a quarterback may advance the ball himself byrunning, hand the ball to another player to advance the ball by running,or throw the ball to another offensive player to advance the ball bypassing. Team strategy often revolves around a “running game,” where theball is advanced by the quarterback or given to another player to runthe ball, or the “passing game,” where the ball is passed, usually bythe quarterback, to an eligible receiver.

The mechanics of a quarterback's throw are essential to a quarterback'ssuccessful passing game. Given the large number of unique roles on afootball team, several different coaches specializing in different rolesmay work individually with one or more players to coach specificfundamentals. An offensive coordinator, a quarterback coach, or aspecial trainer may work with a quarterback during practice or during atraining session in or out of the designated football season to improvea quarterback's throwing mechanics. Quarterbacks are often selected forthe position based on a player's natural throwing aptitude, but evenplayers with a natural passing ability may have bad passing mechanics,or have the need to improve their passing ability by improving theirpassing mechanics. What is needed is a training device used by passthrowing players to improve their passing mechanics.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a throw training device is provided, the throwtraining device comprising a belt, wherein the belt comprises a sleevematerial attached to the belt to form an integrated sleeve.

In another embodiment, a throw training device is provided, the throwtraining device comprising: a belt; and a non-throwing arm attachmentcuff, the non-throwing arm attachment cuff operatively connected to thebelt.

In another embodiment, a method of using a throw training device isprovided, the method comprising: securing a throw training device beltaround a torso of a user; securing a user's arm within at least one of:a non-throwing arm adjustment cuff, and an integrated sleeve; andproviding a tension on at least one of: the non-throwing arm adjustmentcuff relative to the belt, and a sleeve material of the integratedsleeve relative to the belt, to limit at least one of: a user's armmovement relative to the user's torso, and abduction of a user's upperarm relative to the user's torso.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various example systems andmethods, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method of using a throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of an example throwtraining device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example throw trainingdevice.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a method of using a throw trainingdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed and claimed herein depict and describe a throwtraining device.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate perspective views of throw training devices 100,200, 300, and 400. Passing accuracy and distance may be increased bythrowing the ball in such a way that the ball spirals while in flight. Auser rotating his/her body while throwing the ball may apply anadditional amount of torque to the throwing motion, thus givingadditional power that may increase the distance and velocity of a throw.Throw training devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 may help to improve apasser's body rotation and passing mechanics by limiting motion of anon-throwing arm. Throw training devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 may beused to encourage an athlete to keep an upper portion (brachial) ofhis/her non-throwing arm tucked against the body to provide for betterbody rotation mechanics and to develop non-throwing arm muscle memory.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, front and rear perspective views ofthrow training device 100 are respectively illustrated. Throw trainingdevice 100 may comprise harness 102 attached to a user's torso, andnon-throwing arm attachment cuff 114 attached to a user's non-throwingarm and secured to harness 102 by a tension band 122.

Harness 102 may comprise multiple parts such as one or more shoulderstraps 104 a, 104 b extending substantially vertically over a user'sthoracic (chest) area C and over a user's shoulders S, extending along auser's back B. While harness 102 may be realized with one shoulderstrap, harness 102 may be substantially symmetrical about a user's bodymidline, with a right side portion 103 a and a left side portion 103 bincluding shoulder straps 104 a and 104 b. Shoulder straps 104 a and 104b may be joined together on a user's back by webbing 105. In oneembodiment, webbing 105 is of an elastic material that allows webbing105 to stretch and contract to provide lateral/medial movement of oneshoulder strap (e.g. 104 a) relative to the other should strap (e.g.104b) and vice-versa, so as to provide increased user comfort, as well asproviding adjustability of harness 102 to fit users of different bodysizes. In another embodiment, webbing 105 is relatively inelastic anddoes not stretch. Shoulder straps 104 a and 104 b may comprise shoulderstrap adjustment hardware 106 for a vertical adjustment of harness 102relative to a user's torso. In one embodiment, adjustment hardware 106is an integrated elastic strap integrated in shoulder straps 104 a and104 b to allow for simple expansion in a length of shoulder strap 104 toprovide a degree of flexibility for fitting users of different bodysizes, and provide user comfort while wearing harness 102. Harness 102may further comprise substantially horizontal portions 108 a and 108 bextending laterally from shoulder strap 104 a and 104 b on a back side(posterior) of a user and wrapping circumferentially around a user tojoin respective portions of shoulder straps 104 a and 104 b on a user'sfront side (anterior). One or more connectors 112 may attach tohorizontal portion 108 a and shoulder strap 104 a so as to securehorizontal portion 108 a and shoulder strap 104 a to complimentarylocations on horizontal portion 108 b and shoulder strap 104 b, so as toultimately secure harness 102 to a user's body. In one embodiment,harness 102 is similar to a vest, with a user's arms extending through avoid (e.g. armholes) 109 bounded by horizontal portions 108 a/ 108 b andshoulder straps 104 a/ 104 b respectively, with right side portion 103 aof harness 102 being secured to left side portion 103 b of harness 102about a user's chest area C. In another embodiment, right side portion103 a of harness 102 is secured to left side portion 103 b of harness102 on a user's back B. Connector 112 may be a slide release/snap fitbuckle, with complimentary buckle fittings 112 a and 112 b. Fitting 112a may be a female portion that accepts male portion 112 b. Male portion112 b may slide into female portion 112 a with a male portion havingtabs that lock male portion 112 b in place relative to female portion112 a when both portions are fully engaged with one another.Complimentary buckle fitting 112 a and 112 b may operatively connect toboth horizontal portions 108 a, 108 b and shoulder straps 104 a, 104 bvia girth adjustment straps 111. Strap adjustment hardware 110 may beused to slacken/tighten girth adjustment straps 111 so as to vary adistance between right side portion 103 a and left side portion 103 b toprovide a custom fit of harness 102 for users of different girths. Inone embodiment, strap adjustment hardware 110 is a slide, barslide/ladder lock, or belt trim, where length of girth adjustment strap111 is varied by weaving girth adjustment strap 111 through and aroundstrap adjustment hardware 110.

Non-throwing arm attachment cuff 114 may attach to a brachial(upper-arm) portion of a user's non-throwing arm. In one embodiment,non-throwing arm attachment cuff attaches to a user's non-throwing armin a location between a user's shoulder and a user's elbow on a user'snon-throwing arm. Non-throwing arm attachment cuff 114 may include acuff adjustment 116 for slackening and tightening a circumference ofnon-throwing arm attachment cuff 114 around a brachial portion of auser's non-throwing arm. In one embodiment, cuff adjustment 116 includesstrap 115 and loop 117 for varying a circumference of non-throwing armattachment cuff 114. In this embodiment, strap 115 passes through andaround loop 117 and pulled to tighten non-throwing arm attachment cuff114, with strap 115 being secured to itself via a snap, a hook and loopfastener, and the like, once non-throwing arm attachment cuff 114 hasbeen properly adjusted.

Harness 102 and portions thereof such as shoulder straps 104 a, 104 b,horizontal straps 108 a, 108 b, webbing 105, girth adjustment straps111, non-throwing arm attachment cuff 114, and strap 115 may be of amaterial that may breathable, durable, and comfortable for extended, andvigorous use during a user's training. Additionally, harness 102 and theaforementioned portions thereof may be of a material that is easilywashable or capable of being laundered. In one embodiment, harness 102and the aforementioned portions thereof are made of a heavy, naturalmaterial such as cotton, linen, canvas, hemp, and the like. In anotherembodiment, harness 102 and the aforementioned portions thereof are madeof a synthetic material such as spandex, elastic, polyester, nylon,Kevlar®, Cordura®, and the like. Material selection for harness 102 andthe aforementioned portions thereof may be based on trainingenvironment, training duration, age and skill level of a user, intendedharness lifespan, and like factors. In one embodiment, harness 102 andthe aforementioned portions thereof are made of different materials. Inanother embodiment, harness 102 and the aforementioned portions thereofare made of the same material. Harness 102 and the aforementionedportions thereof may be reinforced by known garment productiontechniques to provide durability. Such material reinforcement techniquesmay include one or more techniques such as: an addition of seams,material layering, stitching, adhesives, mechanical fasteners such asrivets, and the like.

Throw training device 100 may include a tension band 122 secured to oneor more harness attachment points 120 and one or more cuff attachmentpoints 118 to provide a tensioned connection between non-throwing armadjustment cuff 114 and harness 102. Tension band 122 may limit brachialabduction (i.e. movement away) of a user's non-throwing arm from auser's torso. Likewise, tension band 122 may encourage brachialadduction (i.e. movement toward) of a user's non-throwing arm towards auser's torso.

Tension band 122 may be of a flexible material that provides adequatetension when stretched, such as rubber or elastic fabric, or tensionband 122 may be of an inelastic material, where brachial abduction of auser's non-throwing arm is limited by tension band length. Inembodiments where tension band 122 is of an elastic material, materialselection for tension band 122 may be used to vary tension in tensionband 122. For example, a material with a greater resistance whenelastically deformed, (i.e. stretched), may be used to better limitbrachial abduction of a user's non-throwing arm from a user's torso.Tension band 122 may be of an elastic material, and limited in length tolimit brachial abduction of a user's non-throwing arm from a user'storso. In one embodiment, tension band 122 includes a female snapfitting 123 a which mates with a complimentary male snap fitting 123 bon harness attachment point 120 to vary a length of tension band 122.Tension band may be permanently attached, or removably attached (i.e.selectively removable) at either harness attachment point 120, and cuffattachment point 118.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, respective front and rear perspectiveviews of example throw training device 200 are illustrated. Similar tothrow training device 100, throw training device 200 may include harness202 comprising shoulder straps 204 a and 204 b extending over a user'schest C and shoulder portions S, and joining at a central back portion205 and on a user's back B. Central back portion 205 may further connectto a medial horizontal portion 208 which may extend into both right sidehorizontal portion 208 a, and left side horizontal portion 208 b, andextend circumferentially around a user's torso to operatively connect torespective shoulder straps 204 a and 204 b via adjustment hardware 206on a user's front side. Adjustment hardware 206 may be used to vary alength of shoulder straps 204 a and 204 b, and may include heightadjustment strap 207 and buckle/loop 213 to vary a length of shoulderstraps 204 a and 204 b, so as to move harness 202 up and down a user'storso, and thus vary a superior/inferior position (i.e. height) ofharness 202 on a user's body. In this way, harness 202 may be adjustedto accommodate users of different heights and torso lengths. A distalportion of height adjustment strap 207 may pass through and aroundbuckle/loop 213, and secure to another area of height adjustment strap207 or to shoulder straps 204 a and 204 b using a common connectionhardware such as a snap, hook and loop fastener, and the like. Forexample, distal end of height adjustment strap 207 may have Velcro® onone side thereof, and after passing through and around buckle/loop 213,distal end may be secured to another location of height adjustment straphaving complimentary Velcro® thereon. Right side horizontal portion 208a and left side horizontal portion 208 b may secure to one another viagirth adjustment strap 211 and buckle 212. Harness 202 may be adjustedfor users with torsos of varying girth by using girth adjustment strap211 and buckle 212. A distal portion of girth adjustment strap 211 mayextend through, and around buckle 212 and be secured to another portionof girth adjustment strap 211 using a common connector hardware such asa snap, hook and loop fastener, and the like. Central back portion 205may be permanently affixed to medial horizontal portion 208 atconnection 219 via a fabric joining technique such as stitching,weaving, adhesive, and the like, or may be removably attached, forexample, using a common connector such as a snap, button, buckle, hookand loop fastener, and the like. Removable attachment of components onharness 102 may allow modular portions (i.e. horizontal portions 208,208 a, 208 b, shoulder straps 204 a, 204 b, and central back portion205) to interchange with other modular portions to vary a size ofharness 102. Portions of harness 202 may be paneled with paneling 221 soas to provide additional strength and flexibility to harness 202.Harness 202 may comprise the same or similar materials used to constructharness 102, as described above.

Similar to throw training device 100 described above, throw trainingdevice 200 may include a tension band 222 secured to one or more harnessattachment points 220 and one or more cuff attachment points 218 toprovide a tensioned connection between non-throwing arm cuff 214 andharness 202 to limit brachial abduction of a user's non-throwing armfrom a user's torso. Cuff 214 may be of an elastic material that allowsfor circumferential elastic expansion such that a user may slide cuff214 over a non-throwing arm, with a circumferential elasticity used tohold cuff 214 about a brachial region of a user's arm. Materialselection of cuff 214 to select a material with an adequate elasticitymay be used to limit or eliminate longitudinal movement of cuff 214about a brachial region of a user's non-throwing arm.

As described above for tension band 122, tension band 222 may be of anelastic or inelastic material, and tension may be varied by eitherselecting a material with desired elastic properties, varying a lengthof tension band 222, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment,tension band 222 is a strap permanently attached to harness 202 atharness attachment point 220, and cuff attachment point 218 is abuckle/loop. In this embodiment, tension is varied by passing a distalportion of tension band 222 through and around buckle/loop 218 andsecuring the distal portion of tension band 222 back to another portionof band 222 via a common connection hardware such as a snap, hook andloop fastener, and the like to vary a length of tension band 222.Material selection of tension band 222 for a material of desiredelasticity and resistance may also be used to vary tension, and thuslimit a brachial abduction of a user's non-throwing arm.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, respective front and rear perspectiveviews of example throw training device 300 are illustrated. Throwtraining device 300 is similar in design and function of throw trainingdevice 200 but may include additional features such as strap sheath 324on shoulder straps 304 a and 304 b on harness 302. Strap sheath 324 maybe allowed to move longitudinally along shoulder straps 304 a, 304 bsuch that when harness 302 is adjusted and sized for a proper height fitof a user, a distal portion of height adjustment strap 307, afterpassing through and around buckle/loop 313, is secured to anotherportion of height adjustment strap 307 using a common connector hardwaresuch as a snap, hook and loop fastener, and the like, with strap sheath324 pulled over a strap to strap connection point of height adjustmentstrap 307 to prevent disengagement of a strap to strap connection pointon height adjustment strap 307 once a proper height adjustment ofharness 302 is made, and during use of throw training device 300.Additional paneling 321 may be used to increase strength, flexibility,and aesthetic appearance of throwing training device 300, as well assimplifying a mass-production or manufacture of throw training devicesin different size ranges. For example, modular base components maycomprise panels 321 to produce modular components in variable sizes, andthus throw training devices in variable sizes (e.g. size large maycomprise a horizontal portion 308 a of six panels 321 of similar size,whereas a size small may comprise a horizontal portion 308 a of threepanels 321 of similar size, etc.).

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, respective front and rear perspectiveviews of example throw training device 400 are illustrated. Similar toprevious embodiments, throw training device 400 may include harness 402comprising shoulder straps 404 a, 404 b extending over a user'sthoracic/chest region C and over shoulders S to back B. Shoulder straps404 a, 404 b may interconnect to one another via bib-type section 405which connects shoulder straps 404 a, 404 b at a centralized location ona user's back. Shoulder straps 404 a, 404 b may diverge from bib-typesection 405 and extend in an inferior direction until they connect witha medial horizontal portion 408. Right side horizontal portion 408 a,and left side horizontal portion 408 b may extend laterally from medialhorizontal portion 408 and extend circumferentially around a user'storso to join to each other near a midline area of a user's chest C.

In one embodiment, a connection formed between height adjustment strap407 and buckle 413 operatively connect shoulder straps 404 a, 404 b tohorizontal portions 408 a, 408 b. In addition to height adjustment strap407 and buckle 413 used to adjust a fit of shoulder straps 404 a, 404 bon users of different sizes, a bar slide/ladder lock 426 may be used tofurther adjust height adjustment straps 407. In one embodiment, heightadjustment strap 407 is of a finite length and permanently secured bystitching to shoulder straps 404 a, 404 b, such that a user need onlyadjust bar slide/ladder lock 426 to vary a fit of shoulder straps 404 a,404 b, and height adjustment of harness 402, without a need to furthersecure height adjustment strap 407 after making a height adjustment ofharness 402. In another embodiment, a distal end of height adjustmentstrap 407 is passed through and around buckle/loop 413, weaved throughbar slide/ladder lock 426 with distal end of height adjustment strap 407either secured by bar slide/ladder lock 426, or secured to another partof height adjustment strap 407 by a common connection hardware such as asnap, hook and loop fastener, and the like. Buckle 413 may be securedeither directly to horizontal portions 408 a, 408 b, or operativelyconnected to, and offset from horizontal portions 408 a, 408 b at somedistance by a strap as illustrated.

Horizontal portions 408 a, 408 b may connect to each other via a girthadjustment strap 411. In one embodiment, girth adjustment strap 411comprises a connection hardware on a portion thereof that secures to acomplimentary connection hardware on a portion of left-side horizontalportion 408 b. In this embodiment, a connection hardware is a hook andloop fastener such as Velcro®.

Throw training device 400 may comprise the same, or similar materials aspreviously described embodiments.

Tension band 222 may likewise comprise similar materials as previouslydescribed embodiments. Similar to previously described throw trainingdevices, throw training device 400 may include a tension band 422secured to a harness attachment point 420, and a cuff attachment points418 to provide a tensioned connection between non-throwing arm cuff 414and harness 402 to limit brachial abduction of a user's non-throwing armfrom a user's torso. Cuff 414 and its adjustment and attachment aroundand to a user's non-throwing arm, may use a cuff adjustment 416, that issimilar to cuff adjustment 116, as described above.

Throw training device 400 may use one or more tension bands 422 eitheralone, or in combination with one another to limit brachial abduction ofa user's non-throwing arm from a user's torso, and encourage brachialadduction of a user's non-throwing arm towards a user's torso.

In one embodiment, tension band 422 is a color-coded, elastic strappermanently attached to cuff attachment points 418, and removablyattachable to harness attachment point 420. Harness attachment point 420may interface with connection hardware 428 on tension band 422. In oneembodiment, connection hardware 428 attaches to harness attachment point420 via a strap 430 that may be either varied in length to furtheraffect a tension of tension band 422, or may subdivided into discretesections like a daisy chain construction (not shown), wherein connectingconnection hardware 428 into each discrete subsection of a daisy chainedstrap 430 varies a tension of tension band 422. A daisy-chainedsubdivision of strap 430 may also provide a capability of attachingmultiple tension bands 422 to hardness attachment point 420. Tensionband 422 may comprise springs. In one embodiment, tension band 422 isone or more rubber bands. Tension bands 422 may be color coded toindicate different levels of tension. In one embodiment, tension bands422 are all of a same tension, and one or more tension bands 422 areadded until a desired tension is achieved. For example, if each tensionband 422 provides five pounds of resistance, three tension bands 422would be used to provide fifteen pounds of resistance. In anotherembodiment, tension band 422 is multicolored. In this embodiment, oneend of tension band 422 is colored green, a middle portion of tensionband 422 is colored yellow, and another end of tension band 422 iscolored red. A person observing a user of throw training device 400using a multicolored tension band 422 may be able to better observe anabduction of a user's non-throwing arm from a user's torso depending ona color of tension band 422 observed. For example, a multicoloredtension band 422 closest to a user's body may be green such that anobserver of a user using throw training device 400, where a user haslittle or no non-throwing arm abduction, may only observe a green coloron tension band 422. In contrast, an observer of a user using throwtraining device 400, where a user has significant non-throwing armabduction, may see yellow or red, where a red portion of multicoloredtension band 422 is attached closest to a user's non-throwing arm.

Non-throwing arm adjustment cuff 414 and portions of harness 402 mayinclude one or more cuff attachment points 418 and one or more harnessattachment points 420 respectively for securing an end of one or moretension bands 422 thereto. In one embodiment, cuff attachment points 418and harness attachment points 420 are rings or loops used for quicklyconnecting, and disconnecting one or more tension bands 422 thereto. Endportions of tension bands 422 may comprise quick connection hardwaresuch as spring loaded carabiners, hooks, clasps, or like hardware, forquick and secure connection of tension bands 422 to attachment points418 and 420. In one embodiment, cuff attachment points 418 and harnessattachment points 420 are adjustable relative to non-throwing armadjustment cuff 414 and harness 402 respectively, for adjusting a sizeof throw training device 400 to accommodate different body sizes andbody geometries for a variety of users. In one embodiment, harnessattachment points 420 are around an axillary portion (armpit) of auser's torso and cuff attachment points 418 correspond to an area on auser's brachial region that abuts axillary portion of a user's torsowhen a user's non-throwing arm is at rest. In another embodiment,harness attachment point 420 is around a user's waist portion.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow chart of an example method (900) forusing a throw training device is provided. A method of using a throwtraining device (900) may comprise the steps of: securing an attachmentpoint on a non-throwing arm of a user (901); securing an attachmentpoint on a torso of a user (903); interconnecting an attachment point onthe non-throwing arm of a user to the attachment point on the torso of auser (905); simulating a throw with a user's throwing arm; or thrown anobject with the user's throwing arm (907); and providing a tensionbetween the interconnection to limit brachial abduction of the user'snon-throwing arm from the user's torso during the simulation of thethrow, or the throwing of the object (909).

With reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13, methods and devices of anexample belt embodiment of throw training device 500 and 600 areillustrated.

With reference to FIG. 10, an example throw training device 500 isillustrated. Throw training device 500 may comprise a belt 502comprising horizontal portion 508 and operable to wrap and around, andsecure to a torso of a user. Belt 502 may further comprise a sleevematerial 534, wherein a portion of sleeve material 534 may be connectedto a portion of belt 502, for example at a first attachment point 536,and a second attachment point 538. Attachment of sleeve material 534 tobelt 502 at first attachment point 536 and second attachment point 538may form an annular sleeve, or alternatively, an integrated sleeve 532through which a user may provide a non-throwing arm, such that a motionof a user's non-throwing may be limited relative to belt 502 and auser's torso when placed inside of, and retained within integratedsleeve 532 on belt 502.

Sleeve material 534 may be elastic, inelastic, or a mixture of bothproperties. In one embodiment, sleeve material 534 may be an elasticmaterial and may be operable to stretch and deform when a stress isapplied to sleeve material 534. Deformation of elastic sleeve material534 may allow, for example, user's with arms of large circumferences tobe inserted into integrated sleeve 532 with little or no resistance fromsleeve material 534. Once a user's arm is placed within integratedsleeve 532, a stress may be removed from elastic sleeve material 534such that removal of stress (i.e. a user's cessation of stretchingelastic sleeve material 534) may cause elastic sleeve material 534 toreturn towards elastic sleeve material's 534 original stress andorientation before a stress (i.e. stretching) was applied to elasticsleeve material 534. A compressive force from elastic sleeve material534 trying to return to an original shape and orientation may be causedon a user's arm within integrated sleeve and may provide a betterinterface between a user's arm an integrated sleeve 532 to encourage auser's arm to be retained within integrated sleeve 532. In anotherembodiment, sleeve material 534 may be relatively inelastic and may notstretch when a stress is applied to sleeve material 534.

Horizontal portion 508 of belt 502 may comprise a first end portion 554a and a second end portion 554 b. Horizontal portion 508 of belt 502 maybe of a pliable material so that belt 502 may be easily wrapped around atorso of a user. First end portion 554 a may meet near second endportion 554 b to secure belt 502 about a torso of a user. Connectionhardware may be connection hardware as used by various embodimentsherein. In one embodiment, first end portion 554 a may comprise a firstconnector 512 a, and second end portion 554 b may comprise secondconnector 512 b. In one embodiment, first connector 512 a may be a slide512 a of a slide buckle assembly, and second connector 512 b may be abuckle 512 b of slide buckle assembly, such that first connector 512 amay selectively interconnect with slide 512 b to form a selectiveconnection between first connector 512 a and 512 b, such that belt 502may be selectively secured, and selectively removed, from a torso of auser. First connector 512 a may be interconnected with and to secondconnector 512 b via an interconnection strap 511. A length ofinterconnection strap 511 may be varied to at least one of: shorten alength of interconnection strap 511, and lengthen a length ofinterconnection strap 511, so as to adjust interconnection strap 511.Various adjustment hardware 510, in a non-limiting example, tri-glides,buckles, clasps, and the like, may be used to vary a length ofinterconnection strap 511 and secure a position of interconnection strap511 relative to belt 502, for example, to prevent strap from slackeningonce a user provides a desirable tightness of interconnection strap 511.In one embodiment, interconnection strap 511 may overlie sleeve material534 such that a slackening or tightening of interconnection strap 511may at least one of: provide a tension on, and relieve a tension from,sleeve material 534 and accordingly a user's arm contained withinintegrated sleeve 532. Providing an addition tension on sleeve material534 may assist retention of a user's arm within integrated sleeve 532and may at least one of: limit a motion of a user's arm while inintegrated sleeve 532 relative to belt 502 and a user's torso, and limitabduction of a user's arm away from a user's torso.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate arespective front perspective view, and a rear perspective view of anexample throw training device 600.

Example throw training device 600 may be similar to example throwtraining device 500, except with a non-throwing arm attachment cuff 614in place of integrated sleeve 532 to retain a user's non-throwing arm,and limit a motion of a user's non-throwing arm relative to a user'storso and belt 602. Non-throwing arm attachment cuff 614 may be annularin shape to allow a user's arm to pass through an inner-circumferencenon-throwing arm attachment cuff 614 to secure non-throwing armattachment cuff 614 to a user's arm. In one embodiment, non-throwing armattachment cuff 614 may be of an elastic material that may readilydeform and stretch when a stress is applied, and return to an originalstate when a stress is removed from elastic material of non-throwing armattachment cuff 614. For example, non-throwing arm attachment cuff 614may be stretched to allow a user's arm to pass through non-throwing armattachment cuff 614, and when stress to cause a stretching is removed,elastic material of non-throwing arm attachment cuff 614 may attempt toreturn to an original state of non-throwing arm attachment cuff 614.Non-throwing arm attachment cuff may provide an additional compression,for example, when a user's arm is within an annular sleeve portion ofnon-throwing arm attachment cuff 614 which may help to retain a positionof non-throwing arm attachment cuff on a user's arm.

Attachment cuff 614 may be operatively connected to belt 602 via aninterconnection material 622. Interconnecting material 622 may befixedly attached to both belt 602 and non-throwing arm attachment cuff614—that is, intended as a permanent connection and may not beselectively removable. Interconnecting material 622 may be selectivelyattached to both belt 602 and non-throwing arm attachment cuff 614, forexample at belt attachment point 620, and cuff attachment point 618(collectively an “attachment point”). Interconnecting material 622 maybe of an elastic, or inelastic material. In one embodiment,interconnecting material 622 may be of an elastic material, and mayrequire a slight stretch away from a body for a user to maintain anatural positioning of a user's arm, such that a user's non-throwing armis under tension, and non-throwing arm attachment cuff 614 may beencouraged to move toward a user's torso. Throw training device 600 maycomprise an additional tension adjustment device 640 that may furthercomprise a tether 642 and a restraint 644. Tether 642 may be slackenedto remove a tension between non-throwing arm attachment cuff 614 andbelt 602. Likewise, tether 642 may be tightened to increase a tensionbetween non-throwing arm attachment cuff 614 and belt 602 to encourage auser's non-throwing arm to move toward a user's torso. Tensionadjustment device 640 may be adjustable to provide adjustable levels oftension to a user depending a user's need. In one embodiment, tether 642is a strap. In another embodiment, tether 642 is an eyed strap(comprising one or more eyes 648 therethrough) and may pass through aframe buckle 650, such that prong 652 may engage an eye 648 to limit achange in position of strap 642 relative to frame 650 once a desiredtension has been achieved by a user.

Belt 602 may have features similar to belt 502 such as buckle 612 withcorresponding slide 612 a engaged within buckle 612 b, a first end 654a, and a second end 654 b. A horizontal portion 608, and adjustmentstrap 610 to adjust relative to buckle assembly 612 to vary a tightnessof belt 602 around a user's torso.

As described above, throw training devices 500, and 600 may be comprisedof materials that may resist increased wear and tear, may be easilylaunderable, and may be comfortable for wear at extended periods.

A flowchart illustrating an example method 1300 of using a throwtraining device is illustrated in FIG. 13. Method 1300 may comprise:securing a throw training device belt around a torso of a user (1301);securing a user's arm within at least one of: a non-throwing armadjustment cuff, and an integrated sleeve (1303); and providing atension on at least one of: the non-throwing arm adjustment cuffrelative to the belt, and a sleeve material of the integrated sleeverelative to the belt, to limit at least one of: a user's arm movementrelative to the user's torso, and abduction of a user's upper armrelative to the user's torso 1305.

Unless specifically stated to the contrary, the numerical parameters setforth in the specification, including the attached claims, areapproximations that may vary depending on the desired properties soughtto be obtained according to the exemplary embodiments. At the veryleast, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements.

Furthermore, while the systems, methods, and apparatuses have beenillustrated by describing example embodiments, and while the exampleembodiments have been described and illustrated in considerable detail,it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict, or in any waylimit, the scope of the appended claims to such detail. It is, ofcourse, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing the systems,methods, and apparatuses. With the benefit of this application,additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, isnot limited to the specific details and illustrative example andexemplary embodiments shown and described. Accordingly, departures maybe made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept. Thus, this application is intended toembrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within thescope of the appended claims. The preceding description is not meant tolimit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention isto be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural. To the extent that the term“includes” or “including” is employed in the detailed description or theclaims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner co-extensive with theterm “comprising,” as that term is interpreted when employed as atransitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term“or” is employed in the claims (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B, butnot both,” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Similarly, when the applicants intend to indicate “one and only one” ofA, B, or C, the applicants will employ the phrase “one and only one.”Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or“onto.” To the extent that the term “selectively” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of acomponent wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate thefeature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in useof the apparatus. To the extent that the term “operatively connected” isused in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that theidentified components are connected in a way to perform a designatedfunction. Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with anumber, it is intended to include ±10% of the number. In other words,“about 10” may mean from 9 to 11.

What is claimed is:
 1. A throw training device comprising a belt,wherein the belt comprises a sleeve material attached to the belt toform an integrated sleeve.
 2. The throw training device of claim 1,wherein the belt comprises a horizontal portion operable to extendcircumferentially around a user's torso.
 3. The throw training device ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve material is attached to the belt at a firstattachment point and a second attachment point, such that a portion ofthe sleeve material attached to a portion of the belt at the firstattachment point and the second attachment point comprise an innerboundary of the integrated sleeve.
 4. The throw training device of claim1, wherein the horizontal portion comprises a first end portion and asecond end portion, the first end portion interconnected to the secondend portion via an interconnection strap.
 5. The throw training deviceof claim 4, wherein the first end portion comprises a first connectorand the second end portion comprises a second connector, such that thefirst connector is operable to selectively interconnect with the secondconnector to secure the belt around and to a user's torso.
 6. The throwtraining device of claim 4, wherein a length of the interconnectionstrap is selectively adjustable such that the length is at least one of:lengthened, and shortened, during an adjustment of the strap.
 7. Thethrow training device of claim 6 further comprising an adjustmenthardware, and wherein the adjustment hardware is operable to at leastone of: selectively adjust the length of the interconnection strap, andselectively secure a position of the interconnection strap relative tothe belt.
 8. The throw training device of claim 6, wherein theinterconnection strap overlies the sleeve material, such that theadjustment of the interconnection strap at least one of: exerts atension on the sleeve material relative to the belt, and relieves atension on the sleeve material relative to the belt.
 9. A throw trainingdevice, comprising: a belt; and a non-throwing arm attachment cuff, thenon-throwing arm attachment cuff operatively connected to the belt. 10.The throw training device of claim 9, wherein the belt comprises ahorizontal portion operable to extend circumferentially around a user'storso, the horizontal portion further comprising an attachment point,the attachment point operable to connect the non-throwing arm attachmentcuff to the belt.
 11. The throw training device of claim 10, wherein thehorizontal portion comprises two end portions, each end portion operableto connect to another end portion to secure the horizontal portionaround a user's torso.
 12. The throw training device of claim 10,wherein the horizontal portion is adjustable such that a circumferentiallength of the horizontal portion may be varied.
 13. The throw trainingdevice of claim 10, further comprising an interconnecting material, theinterconnecting material operable to interconnect the non-throwing armattachment cuff to the attachment point
 14. The throw training device ofclaim 13, wherein the interconnecting material comprises an elasticmaterial.
 15. The throw training device of claim 10, wherein theattachment point comprises a fixed attachment, the fixed attachmentoperable to fixedly secure the non-throwing arm attachment cuff to thebelt.
 16. The throw training device of claim 10, wherein the attachmentpoint comprises a selectively removable attachment, the selectivelyremovable attachment operable to selectively secure the non-throwing armattachment to the belt, and selectively remove the non-throwing armattachment from the belt.
 17. The throw training device of claim 9,further comprising a tension adjustment device, the tension adjustmentdevice further comprising a tether and a restraint, the restraintoperable to secure the tether such that the tether may be selectivelysecured to the restraint to at least one of: slacken, and tighten, thetether relative to the restraint.
 18. The throw training device of claim17, wherein the tension adjustment device comprises an eyed strap as thetether, and a prong and frame buckle as the restraint.
 19. The throwtraining device of claim 9, wherein the non-throwing arm attachment cuffcomprises an annular sleeve comprising an elastic material, the annularsleeve of elastic material selectively deformable when a stress isapplied to allow a user's non-throwing arm to pass through the annularsleeve to position the non-throwing arm attachment cuff about a user'snon-throwing arm, regardless of a user's arm circumference, such thatwhen the stress is removed, the elastic material of the sleeve returnstoward an original state thereby securing the non-throwing armattachment cuff to the user's arm.
 20. A method of using a throwtraining device, the method comprising the steps of: securing a throwtraining device belt around a torso of a user; securing a user's armwithin at least one of: a non-throwing arm adjustment cuff, and anintegrated sleeve; and providing a tension on at least one of: thenon-throwing arm adjustment cuff relative to the belt, and a sleevematerial of the integrated sleeve relative to the belt, to limit atleast one of: a user's arm movement relative to the user's torso, andabduction of a user's upper arm relative to the user's torso.